Abstract
Objective: This study applied response efficiency theory to create the Access Technology Delivery Protocol (ATDP), a child and family-centred collaborative approach to the implementation of access technologies.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive, mixed methods case study to demonstrate the ATDP method with a 12-year-old boy with no reliable means of access to an external device. Evaluations of response efficiency, satisfaction, goal attainment, technology use and participation were made after 8 and 16 weeks of training with a custom smile-based access technology.
Results: At the 16 week mark, the new access technology offered better response quality; teacher satisfaction was high; average technology usage was 3--4 times per week for up to 1 h each time; switch sensitivity and specificity reached 78% and 64%, respectively, and participation scores increased by 38%.
Conclusion: This case supports further development and testing of the ATDP with additional children with multiple or severe disabilities.
Acknowledgements
We would like to gratefully acknowledge Adam, his family, his teacher and his OT for their participation, dedication and hard work.